March 2023 SOLC–Day 17
A huge thank you to Two Writing Teachers for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
http://www.twowritingteachers.org
It felt like spring when I stepped out of school today. As I drove away, I checked the thermometer. 46˚F! Wow! No wonder it felt like spring. Sunny weather. Mid 40s. You can’t ask for much better in mid-Maine in March. And tomorrow was a professional day, so I didn’t have to plan anything. Ahhhhh….
A little later as I pulled out of the library after picking up the newest book in my series (another reason to feel good!), the light was just gorgeous, rich and almost golden. My thoughts turned to the beach. I glanced at the clock. 4:48.
“Hey Siri, what time is sunset in Maine today?”
Sunset today will be at 6:47 in Portland, Maine.
Hmmmm….it was possible…and maybe there actually is an upside to Daylight Savings Time…
Shortly before 5 pm, I was home. I dropped my bags inside, and waved to Kurt who was on the phone.
“It’s so beautiful outside. Do you want to go to the beach?” I asked him, casually once he finished his call. (To be honest, I wasn’t really expecting him to say yes and wasn’t a hundred percent sure I wanted to go. I hadn’t sliced yet and had math assessments to score… Also, it was pretty last minute and the beach is a 45 minute drive.)
After a small hesitation, he answered, “I’d be up for that.”
Oh. Well, okay then.
Ten minutes later we were in the car, and less than an hour later, we were heading out onto the beach.
We paused on the way in, inhaling the salt air and taking in the scene, marveling over how much the beach has changed over the past year. Then we wandered along. Sometimes chatting. Sometimes not. Pausing every so often to linger over something–drfitwood, the light on the waves, the shifting color amidst the clouds, patterns in the sand.
Slowly I could feel some of the accumulated tensions of the day, the week, slough off.
“Oh, I’m so glad we came,” we said to each other more than once.
Sand. Surf. Sunset. And all with my sweetheart.
It was worth every minute.
Nix the comfort zone 
Definitely it was worth every minute. We have to grab such moments whenever we can. Lovely photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a delight! Like I said, I’m so glad we went!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful images and writing of a beautiful thing to do. The descriptions of the beach and your experience of it almost release the tension in ME, let alone you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Vicarious beach visits are a good thing, too!
LikeLike
This is one of the great things about the March Challenge. I think it acually makes us do things that we should be doing…for the sake of us…and for the sake of our writing. I think you made a great decision, and maybe a tiny piece of it was that you thought you might be able to capture it in writing (and in your case, photos).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was thinking about this just this morning: How the challenge influences me in subtle ways. I know in past years I’ve definitely tried things because I thought it would be food for writing. Today I had a strange PD day activity (think dance and team building!) and thought…well, at least I’ll get a slice! So the challenge can also affect my attitude about what I’m doing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So lovely! What a great outing for a Thursday! Great photos! Thank you. A reminder to do more things like this – well worth the effort!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A rare Thursday for us. I don’t think I would have done this if we hadn’t had a PD day today.
LikeLike
I love spontaneous beach days! Thanks for sharing yours with us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been yearning to go to the beach for ages! It’s always a treat!
LikeLike
Fabulous! And I love how you so adeptly captured that feeling of “I made a suggestion but now I’m not sure I really wanna!” One of the things I love about Maine is that the beach feels like it’s always just waiting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so thankful to be so close! It had been too long since we’d visited. Even today I could feel the influence of that hour at the beach. Ahhh….
LikeLike
Can you please compile a book?? Maine Moments by Molly???? To quirky?? I love the slice that leads up to these photos. The last minute decision to go. Your sweethearts surprise company. The images are breathtaking! Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! I’d love to compile a book someday!
LikeLike
Your slice of grabbing at a moment and going with it (even though it involved a drive) reiterates what I’ve been thinking about today. So glad you took the time to go. The pictures are amazing, and will be good reminders to take that time when you can.
LikeLike
Yay for spontaneous beach visits! I love, love, love the light and shadow of the driftwood photo. Glad you could get there…and breathe in!
LikeLike
I’m so glad you guys went to the beach, and you shared a slice about your spontaneity and your gorgeous photos! Nature always eases my tension. How wonderful that you live so close to the beach. I love this line, which is really another short poem “Sand. Surf. Sunset. And all with my sweetheart.” Thank you! 🙂
LikeLike